Stool Sample Collection: How to Collect, Store, and Submit

Why Knowing How to Handle a Stool Sample Matters

I’ll never forget the first time a patient handed me a stool sample in a sandwich bag.
No label, no container, no idea how it should have been done.
They were embarrassed. I was concerned. And the lab had to reject it right away.

That moment stayed with me.
Not because it was messy — but because it showed me how little most people are ever taught about this simple but important step in taking care of their health.

Proper stool sample collection matters more than people think.
It’s not just about keeping things clean.
It’s about making sure the sample is good enough to find real answers — whether we’re checking for infections, inflammation, or early signs of bigger problems.

Over the years, I’ve helped many patients learn how to collect stool samples the right way.
And I promise, when you know the simple steps, it’s much easier — and much less messy — than it sounds.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly how I teach my patients to collect, store, and submit stool samples properly.
Because getting it right the first time saves time, avoids confusion, and gets you the answers you need faster.

How to Collect a Stool Sample Step-by-Step (At Home or Clinic)

When I teach patients how to collect a stool sample, I break it down into simple steps.
No fancy tools, no complicated instructions — just clean, clear steps anyone can follow at home or in a clinic.

Here’s a quick list of basic supplies I recommend before you start collecting your sample.

Here’s exactly how I guide them:

Step 1: Get Your Supplies Ready

You’ll need:

• A clean, dry container (like a special collection tub or a clean disposable tray)
  
• A sample pot (the small screw-top container given by your clinic)
  
• A small spoon or spatula (this often comes with the sample pot)
  
• Gloves if you prefer
  

If you’re using an NHS stool sample kit, everything you need is usually provided in the package.

Step 2: Collect the Stool Sample

• Go to the bathroom as usual, but try not to pass stool directly into the toilet water.
  
• It’s best to pass it into the clean container you’ve prepared, or you can line the toilet bowl with clean plastic wrap stretched under the seat.
  
• Make sure no urine touches the stool. It should be as clean as possible.
  

Step 3: Take the Sample

• Use the small spoon or spatula to scoop a walnut-sized amount (you don’t need much).
  
• Place it carefully into the sample pot and screw the lid on tightly.
  
• Wipe off any mess outside the container if needed.
  

Step 4: Label the Sample

• Always label your container with your full name, date of birth, and the date and time you collected the sample.
  
• If you’re following NHS instructions, they often provide labels you must stick onto the pot before handing it in.
  

Step 5: Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

This step matters just as much as everything else.
Soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds — even if you wore gloves.

Extra Tip I Always Give Patients:

Don’t collect stool from toilet water.
Water can wash away important signs we need to find in the lab.

And don’t worry about being perfect.
I always tell my patients — it’s better to collect a little clean sample properly than a big messy one wrongly.

Getting it right from the start saves you the stress of having to redo the whole process.

How to Store a Stool Sample Correctly (Simple but Critical)

Once the sample is collected, the next important step is making sure it stays usable.
You’d be surprised how often good samples get ruined just because they weren’t stored properly.

In my practice, I teach patients one golden rule:
Keep it clean, keep it cool, and get it delivered quickly.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Close the Container Tightly

After putting the sample into the pot, make sure the lid is screwed on tightly.
If it leaks or dries out, the test results may not be accurate.

2. Label It Correctly

Double-check your label.
Missing names, dates, or times can lead to samples being rejected by the lab — and nobody likes collecting twice.

3. Refrigerate If You’re Delaying Drop-Off

If you can’t take the sample to your clinic or doctor’s office right away, store it in the fridge — not the freezer.
Keep it in a sealed plastic bag to separate it from food items.
Most samples stay good for up to 24 hours if refrigerated properly.

4. Deliver as Soon as Possible

I always advise patients: the fresher, the better.
Try to deliver your sample within a few hours if you can.
Early morning samples usually work best for timing and testing.

Mistakes I Often See (And How to Avoid Them):

• Leaving samples in a hot car: Heat destroys important details.
  
• Forgetting to seal the pot: Air exposure can ruin results.
  
• Waiting too long: Old samples often miss infections or hidden signs we’re trying to catch.
  

Quick Tip:

If you’re using an NHS kit, always follow the storage instructions included — they may have small differences depending on the type of test.

Taking a little extra care with storage can make a huge difference in getting fast, clear, and helpful results.

And that’s the whole point — finding answers without delays.

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How to Submit a Stool Sample (And Avoid Mistakes)

After collecting and storing your sample, the last step is making sure it gets where it needs to go — clean, labeled, and on time.

You might be surprised how many samples get rejected not because of what’s inside, but because of simple mistakes during drop-off.

Here’s exactly how I guide patients to submit a sample properly:

1. Check Your Instructions First

Whether it’s a clinic, a GP surgery, or the NHS system, always check if they gave you any special directions.
Some labs need early morning samples. Some accept samples only on certain days.

Knowing their schedule saves a lot of stress.

2. Deliver It as Soon as You Can

Freshness matters.
I always tell my patients: if you can deliver it within two to three hours after collecting it, that’s ideal.
If you stored it in the fridge, still try to get it to the lab on the same day.

3. Bring the Correct Forms

Sometimes you’ll get a form or a label sheet with your kit.
Make sure everything matches — your sample, your name, your paperwork.
Small mix-ups can cause delays or even lost results.

4. Hand It In Correctly

At the clinic or lab, go straight to the reception or sample drop-off point.
In NHS settings, there’s often a clearly marked collection box.
You don’t have to explain anything — just hand it in with the paperwork and they’ll take care of the rest.

Mistakes I Always Warn Patients About:

These are common mistakes I see and how to avoid them to protect your sample.

Quick Tip:

If you’re ever unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist before dropping off the sample.
It’s much easier to double-check than to redo the entire process.

Submitting a stool sample might feel awkward, but when you do it right, it’s one of the quickest ways to get real answers about your gut health.

And trust me — the clinic staff have seen it all.
You’re not going to surprise or embarrass anyone.

How to Use a Stool Sample Kit (No Stress Guide)

Many patients feel nervous when they first open a stool sample kit.
I get it — all the little parts inside can seem overwhelming at first glance.
But once you know what each part is for, it’s actually very simple.

Here’s exactly how I teach my patients to use a stool sample kit without stress:

1. Read the Instructions Before Doing Anything

I can’t say this enough.
Open the kit, find the instruction sheet, and read it carefully before you even think about collecting your sample.
Each kit might have slightly different steps, depending on what the test is looking for.

2. Set Up Your Supplies

Most kits include:

• A sample pot with a built-in spatula
  
• A small collection tray or paper sheet
  
• A sealable bag for safe transport
  
• Labels or forms to fill out
  

Lay everything out on a clean surface before you start.
It makes the process much faster and cleaner.

3. Collect the Sample Carefully

Use the tray or paper sheet to catch your stool.
Use the attached spatula to scoop a small amount — about the size of a walnut — into the pot.
Make sure you don’t overfill it; labs only need a small sample.

4. Seal and Label Everything

Close the pot tightly.
Fill out any forms and stick any provided labels onto the sample pot correctly.

Always double-check that your full name, date of birth, and collection date are on the container.

5. Store and Deliver Promptly

If the kit instructions tell you to refrigerate the sample, do it.
If not, store it in a cool, dry place until you can deliver it — ideally the same day.

If you’re using an NHS kit, it usually includes clear directions about when and where to submit your sample.

Mistakes I See (And How to Avoid Them):

• Skipping the instructions: Every kit is a little different.
  
• Touching stool with hands: Always use the spatula, even if it feels slower.
  
• Filling the pot too much: Labs need a small, clean sample, not a full container.
  

Using a kit isn’t complicated when you slow down and follow the steps.
And the better the sample, the faster we can give you real, clear answers about your health.

It’s one of the easiest steps you can take for yourself — and it’s always worth it.

What Is a FIT Stool Test? (And Why It Matters)

One test I often talk about with my patients is the FIT stool test.
FIT stands for Fecal Immunochemical Test.
It’s a simple, smart way to check for hidden blood in your stool — something you can’t see with your eyes but could mean something important inside your gut.

I love FIT tests because they are non-invasive, easy to do at home, and very powerful at catching early signs of problems like bowel cancer or gut inflammation.

Here’s how I usually explain it:

How a FIT Test Works:

• You collect a small sample of stool using a special FIT kit.
  
• The kit tests for tiny amounts of blood that might be leaking from inside your intestines.
  
• It’s not looking for cancer directly — it’s looking for bleeding, which can sometimes be an early warning sign.
  

How Taking a FIT Sample Is Different:

• You usually only need a very tiny amount of stool — much less than a regular stool test.
  
• The FIT collection stick must be dipped into the stool in several different spots to get a full sample.
  
• The sample stick goes back into the tube immediately after collection, then sealed and labeled.
  

When I Recommend FIT Tests:

• For patients with unexplained stool changes
  
• For regular bowel cancer screening (especially over age 50)
  
• When there’s a history of colon issues in the family
  
• To investigate symptoms like anemia, weight loss, or long-term diarrhea
  

Quick Tip I Give Patients:

If you receive a FIT kit — whether through the NHS screening program or privately — do it as soon as possible.
The earlier we get results, the earlier we can catch anything that might need attention.

FIT tests don’t replace full colonoscopies or full bloodwork if needed later.
But they are a powerful early step — one that has helped many of my patients find and fix problems before they ever turned serious.

Final Thoughts: Simple Steps, Big Results

If there’s one thing I always remind my patients, it’s this: small steps can lead to big answers.

Collecting a stool sample might feel awkward or uncomfortable at first.
But when you do it right — and you do it early — it becomes one of the most powerful tools we have to protect your health.

Proper collection, proper storage, and proper submission make all the difference.
They help us catch infections, gut issues, inflammation, and even early signs of cancer long before symptoms get worse.

And the truth is, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
With a little preparation and a little care, anyone can do it at home without stress.

At my clinic, we guide patients through every step — from setting up home sample kits to making sure results come back fast and clear.
You’re never left guessing, and you’re never handling it alone.

If your doctor asks you for a stool sample, or if you’ve been given a home test kit, take it seriously.
It’s a simple act that shows real respect for your body — and for your future health.

Your gut gives you answers every day.
Sometimes, you just have to collect them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I collect a stool sample the night before my appointment?

Yes, but it must be stored properly. I tell my patients to refrigerate it immediately after collection and deliver it the next morning without delay.

What happens if urine gets mixed with the stool sample?

Unfortunately, the sample may be contaminated. In my clinic, I usually ask patients to collect a fresh sample if this happens, to make sure the lab gets clean results.

Do I need to fill the whole sample pot?

Not at all. Just a small amount, roughly the size of a walnut, is more than enough. Labs actually prefer clean, compact samples over large, messy ones.

Can I take a stool sample if I have diarrhea?

Yes. If you have diarrhea, it’s even more important to collect the sample carefully using a clean container to catch the stool before it mixes with toilet water.

Reference and Citations:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stool Specimens – Specimen Collection. CDC. Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/diagnosticprocedures/stool/specimencoll.html
2. Zhang Y, Li Y, Wang Y, et al. Standards for Collection, Preservation, and Transportation of Fecal Samples in Clinical Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:9065286. doi:10.1155/2022/9065286. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9065286/